I mostly solo camp, and in the near future, that is all I will be doing.
I have a young springer spaniel who always camps with me. I have had a few tents for solo camping, but think that my newest purchase will be the one I use from now on. (although that has been the case with the last half a dozen solo tents I have bought) The final one is a cabanon calais, and this has standing headroom in the living section. It is quick and easy to pitch.
.
------------- Canvas tent, paraffin light, petrol stove. Heaven
I'd rather be kayaking.
Spent up, not pent up, just had my new tent up.
thanks all once again for your encouragement. I've decided to go for it. I'm braving the weather and taking my youngest and the dog down to Manor Court farm in Kent for a few nights next week, but after that I shall arrange a short solo trip.
raf48 - love the look of the Cabanon Calais it looks ideal. Whatever I buy will have to be secondhand unless I find a real bargain in the sales, so I'll be keeping my eye out for one of those. However, if nothing comes up in time I may just go away in the Cosenza as I pretty much pitch it on my own anyway. I can just brave any odd looks I get being solo in a big tent!
Ignore any "odd" looks you get...No one's business If your solo in a big or small tent is it?
The main thing is that your doing something you really want to do...Your out there enjoying yourself not causing harm or bother to anyone around you..
I like your comment about being able to go at a moments notice...Wish I could!! Get searching on the campsite section on here and there will be no stopping you...
Enjoy..
Jelboy.
------------- Campers of the storm,Into this world are born
We have a 6 berth folding camper and when the wife is busy and I push off on my own with the 2 dogs, I have never had any comments about using such a big unit by myself. Aye and I have an awning as well.
Okay, it takes more time to set up and pack up, when I am on my own, but then I have more space to spread out and I am not tripping over dogs all the time.
I have had comments about having all that room in a 4-berth tent for just me and the dog, and that I got it all sussed etc...
DK
------------- * Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest And Play! *
- 2025 - inc. FR & DE
- 2024 - 10/56 inc. FR & NL
- 2023 - 48 inc. FR
- 2022 - 49
- 2021 - 34
* Ex-tenter & solo female camper *
* Treat life events like a dog: If you can't eat it, play with it, or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away! *
Stephen, first try a night or two alone near to home. Then if you find you really don't enjoy being on your own, look in the UKCS Meets section - in my experience, the meets tend to be very welcoming.
As to tent size for a single person, my advice would be go for a three-berth. You'll really appreciate the extra space. Most two-berths are fairly cramped even for one person and one-berth tents (mostly aimed at backpackers) are like coffins inside.
You really can't beat Jack Russells IMO - they're grand little dogs!
Thanks SC, I'd been thinking along those lines although the thought of the Meets hadn't occurred to me. I'll investigate further.
I'm going to look for a three-berth, preferably the one that offers the greatest head height. I'm only 6'1" but I have a stiff back and too much stooping would definitely take the gloss off camping for me. I had the misfortune once to stay in a Halfords "Four Person" tent, and had to crawl in and out of it. I swore never again.
Glad you like JR's too. Mine's only four months old now and thinks everything belongs to him so my neighbours on site will be forced to listen to repeated cries of "leave it", "off", "down", "Ziggy!" and "NO!!!"
Another thing to think about is maybe adult only sites at first. we always find them friendly & people chat to you.
------------- Lyn xxx
Harbury Fields March
Moreton in the Marsh March/April
Hawthorn Cottage April
Lamb Cottage April
Somers Wood May
Maxstoke Hall June
Houghton Mill June
Lamb Cottage August
Somers Wood September
The Meadows, October
Quote: Originally posted by JimCall on 15/7/2012
Stephen, I camp solo all the time throughout the winter. My wife doesnt camp but that suits me, I actively seek the solitude you have intrepidation with!
Use a campsite that allows fires and is within walking distance to a pub. It is amazing how much time you spend foraging and preparing firewood. After a good kippering by the fire there is nothing better than wandering up to the local pub to blow the foam off a few. Most country pubs are dog friendly.
Quote: Originally posted by bean52 on 18/7/2012
Glad you like JR's too. Mine's only four months old now and thinks everything belongs to him so my neighbours on site will be forced to listen to repeated cries of "leave it", "off", "down", "Ziggy!" and "NO!!!"
I love it! You and Ziggy can camp next to me any time My two are pretty well behaved unless there's any food around, so my commands are usually limited to ''off' and ''bed''
------------- Tigermouse
I have a very temperamental personality - 50% temper and 50% mental